Pin setting apparatus for bowling games



Jan. 8, 1963 D. E. JENNINGS 3,072,404

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING GAMES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 197 Filed Oct. 13, 1961 30 m 22 33 33 g H INVENTOR. DONALD E. JENNINGS MAHONEY MILLER & RAMBO ATTYs.

Jan. 8, 1963 D. E. JENNINGS 3,072,404

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING GAMES Filed Oct. 13, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I mmvron.

DONALD E. JENNINGS BY MAHONEY MILLER & RAMBO ATTY S United States Patent Ohi Filed Oct. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 144,920 14 Claims. (Cl. 273-42) This invention relates to pin setting apparatus for bowling games and more particularly to an automatic mechanical pin setter for a miniature bowling alley.

It has been found advantageous to utilize mechanical pin setters in conjunction with miniature bowling alleys as a result of the reduced scale equipment which increases the difliculty encountered in setting the pins accurately in their proper positions on the bowling alley surface. The miniaturized pins have relatively small bases, as compared to the full scale pins, that further emphasizes their instability and contributes to the pin setting difficulty. This disadvantage is particularly noticeable in the miniature bowling alleys especially adapted for the use of children who frequently experience considerable difiiculty in setting the pins and consequently decreases their enjoyment of the game. However, regardless of the particular players age, the manual setting of pins is a tedious task without enjoyment requiring meticulous attention.

Mechanical pin setters adaptable to miniature bowling alleys have been designed specifically to meet this condition but invariably such pin setters have resulted in cumbersome equipment that not only is inefiective in accurately' setting the pins but generally requires a relatively large amount of effort to operate. Inaccuracy in the setting of pins by the previously devised pin setters has resulted from the methods of holding and releasing the pins which usually drops the pins to the bowling alley surface or otherwise induces motion during the setting process thereby accentuating the inherent instability of the pins. Also, the cumbersome equipment is difficult for children to operate and, also'if accompanied by complicated operating controls, further defeats the purpose for which it was designed.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a mechanical pin setter for a miniature bowling alley that will automatically release the pins in their proper positions when the pins are accurately placed on the bowling alley surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical pin setter for a miniature bowling alley that is automatically operated by the vertical reciprocating movement of a pin holding carriage.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a mechanical pin setter for a miniature bowling alley. having a vertically reciprocal pin holding carriage that may be selectively set to pick up the pins left standing on the bowling alley surface after the first ball has been rolled by means of a single control lever thereby permitting the fallen pins to be conveniently removed prior to the resetting of the previously standing pins for the second ball.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a mechanical pin setter for a miniature bowling alley espe- 3,072,404 Patented Jan. 8, 1963 "ice holding mechanisms form sockets for the reception of the bases of the pins and the support thereof during the pin loading operation. Subsequent movement of the carriage downwardly results in the pin holding mechanism engaging the pins about the reduced diameter neck portion thereof and release of the pin bases. In setting the pins on the alley, the carriage is moved further downward bringing the pin bases into contact with the alley surface and disengaging the pins from the pin holding mechanism. On returning the carriage to its elevated position, the switch mechanism actuates the pin holding mechanism to permit the passage of the pins through the carriage which again form pin holding sockets for a successive cycle.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mechanical pin setter attached to the pin end of a miniature bowling alley;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the pin setter taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an en delevational view of the pin end of the bowling alley and the pin setter;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional detail of the pin holding mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the carriage;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the carriage with a portion cut away to show the auto matic switching mechanism; l

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic detail of the switching mechanism set for picking up the pins; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic detail of the switching mechanism set for a normal operation cycle.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, the mechanical pin setting apparatus comprising a movable pin-holding carriage 10, a pair of carriage-supporting members 11 between which the carriage may be manually reciprocated in a vertical direction and a switching mechanism 12 is mounted on the pin end of a bowling alley.

Although the bowling alley is not shown in its entirety, it comprises the usual elongated, horizontal bowling surface 13 and a pair of ball-receiving gutters 14 disposed at the sides of the bowling surface and parallel thereto. A set of legs 15 are also provided to maintain the miniature bowling alley at a convenient elevation above a supporting surface to permit a bowler to bowl in the usual manner. The pin end of the bowling alley is enclosed by a pair of side rails 16 extending a distance rearwardly beyond the alley surface 13 and an end rail 17 disposed transversely thereto-and connected to the rear ends of cially adaptable for use by small children that is simply and effortlessly operated having a single control lever requiring only that the pins be manually loaded into an easily movable pin holding carriage.

The mechanical pin setter of this invention comprises a vertically reciprocal carriage, including a plurality of the side rails. A horizontal bottom plate 18 disposed below the level of the alley surface 13 is attached to the rails 16 and 17 rearwardly of the alley surface forming therewith a recessed space for the bowling pins knocked down and the ball.

The support members 11 consist of elongated bars ofrectangular cross-section vertically disposed at either side of the bowling alley intermediate the area that the pins occupy. Each support member is attached at its lower end to the side rails 16 externally of the alley. Secured to the upper ends of the support members 11 is a transversely extending cross-bar 19 to maintain the parallel vertical alignment of the support members. In the upper marginal end of each support member 11 is an elongated, longitudinally extending slot 20 opening at the sides thereof transversely to the alley. Rotatably journalled in each slot 20 is a pulley sheave 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). A length of cord 22 is threaded around each sheave 21 having the ends 22a and 22b extending downwardly on either side of the support member 11. Each end 22a is attached to a movable block 23 which is resiliently secured to the support members by a pair of coil springs 24. The springs are attached at one end to the block 23 and at the other to the support members 11 by the books 25. Vertically disposed on the inwardly facing side of each support member 11 is an elongated channel member 26. The channel members 26 extend upwardly from the top edge of the side rails 16 terminating at the slot 20 and open inwardly to provide a track for guiding the carriage 10 during its vertical reciprocating movement.

The carriage 10 is movably suspended between the support members 11 over the pin area of the alley surface 13 by the cords 22 and their associated springs 24. The structural frame of the carriage 10 comprises a horizontally disposed bottom plate 27 with vertically extending side walls 28 attached to the periphery of the plate. The rear portion of the plate 27 is rectangularly shaped and extends substantially the width of the alley between the supports 11. Each portion 28a of the side wall associated therewith also extends longitudinally and has a vertically extending guide rail 29 secured to the forward end adapted to engage the channel member 26. A notch 29a is cut in the lower end of each guide rail 29 along the edge engaged by the channels 26. Downward movement of the carriage It} will thereby be arrested when the side rails 16 engage the notches 29a. The forwardly extending portion of the carriage frame is triangularly shaped with the sides thereof converging forwardly. Connection of the cords 22 to the carriage 10 is conveniently accomplished by providing the upper ends of the guide rails 29 with hooks 30 to which the cord ends 2212 are secured. It is desirable that the weight of the carriage 10', including the pins carried thereby, be counterbalanced to retain the carriage in its upper position (FIG. 3) and the resiliency of the springs 24 will therefore be determined accordingly. Movement of the carriage 10 downwardly will then require only a minimum effort and is facilitated by providing a pair of rearwardly extending, cylindrical handles 31 secured to the upper ends of the guide rails 29.

The bottom plate 27 of the carriage 10 is provided with ten circular openings 32 arranged in accordance with the usual pin pattern. Each opening 32 has a diameter slightly larger than that of the bowling pins 33, which are conventionally shaped although on a reduced scale, to readily permit release of the pins from the carriage 10. Associated with each opening '32 and actuated by the vertical movement of the carriage 1G is a pin holding mechanism illustrated in detail by FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. In FIG. 5, although the pin holding mechanism is only shown completely for one pin position, it is to be understood that a similar mechanism is provided for each pin position. It is the function of the pin holding mechanism to alternately form sockets to receive the pins 33 as they are loaded on the carriage 10 (FIG. 2) and to releasably hold the pins about their reduced diameter neck portion (FIG. 4) prior to their subsequent placement on the alley surface 13.

When the pins 33 are initially loaded on the carriage 10, they are supported in sockets formed bya stationary stop plate 34 and a movable channel member 35. The stop plates 34 consist of elongated arcuately curved channels opening rearwardly disposed in the forward portion of the openings 32 and conforming to the periphery thereof. Each plate 34, preferably fabricated from a thin metal plate to avoid obstructing the passage of the pins 33 through the openings 32, is secured at its lower end to the bottom plate 27 by a screw 36 and extends upwardly terminating a distance below the upper marginal edges of the side walls 28. The movable channel members are elongated, arcuately curved channels having a radius of curvature generally greater than that of the openings 32. The channels 35 are supported on elongated rods 37 Which are slidably disposed in bearing blocks 38 rigidly secured to the upper surface of the bottom plate 27. Each rod 37 and associated bearing block 38 is longitudinally aligned with the center of the associated opening 32 and is positioned rearwardly of the openings. The channels 35 open forwardly and are secured to the forwardly extending ends of the rods 37 which are provided with an integrally formed hook for this purpose. Each channel 35 is positioned with one end thereof adjacent the bottom plate 27 and extends upwardly and rearwardly to the same height as the stop plate 34. When the channels 35 are in the socket forming position (FIG. 2) the lower ends thereof are disposed over the openings 32 and obstruct the passage of the pins 33 therethrough. Each pin 33 will thereby be supported in a generally vertical position with the arcuately curved stop plate 34 and channel member 35 cooperating to prevent the lateral displacement of the pins. Moving the channels 35 rearwardly until the lower ends thereof do not obstruct the openings 32 would then permit the pins 33 to pass through the openings.

A horizontally disposed, longitudinally movable top plate 39 is positioned within the upper portion of the carriage 10 above the channels 35 and stop plate 34. The plate 39 conforms generally to the shape of the carriage 10 and is supported for longitudinal movement on elongated angle members 40 secured to the rear portions 28a of the side walls and triangular blocks 41 secured to the forward portions of the side walls 28. The triangular blocks 41 are horizontally disposed with one side parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carriage 10. The longitudinal sides of each triangular block 41 are contacted by a cylindrical guide pin 42 secured to the top plate 39 and extending downwardly to aid in maintaining the longitudinal alignment of the top plate during its reciprocating movement. Urging the top plate 39 toward its forward position are a pair of coil springs 43 attached to the side wall 28 and the top plate by hooks 44.

Formed in the top plate 39 and aligned with the openings 32 in the bottom plate 27 are ten elongated slots 45. It will be noted that the slots 45 disposed around the periphery of the top plate 39 have portions cut away (see FIG. 5) as a result of minimizing the carriage dimensions; however, this does not affect the proper functioning of the slots as hereinafter described. The slots will, therefore, be described in reference to a complete slot as best illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6. Each slot 45 is formed with parallel, longitudinal sides, an arcuately curved forward portion and a Y-shaped rear portion. The parallel sides are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the openings 32 to provide adequate clearance for the passage of the pins through the top plate 39 when in the rearward position as illustrated in FIG. 5. In conjunction therewith, it will be noted that the arcuately curved forward portion of each slot will be disposed almost vertically above a corresponding peripheral portion of each opening 32. The rearwardly extending sides of the slots 45a converge until the lateral distance therebetween is approximately equal to the smallest neck diameter of the pins, thereby forming the arms of the Y-shaped rear portion. The leg 45b of the Y is formed by the parallel sides of the slot extending rearwardly from the arms 45a and terminating in an arcuately curved end. Each side of a slot at the juncture of the converging portion 45a and the leg portion 45b (see FIG. 6) is contoured to provide a generally upwardly and inwardly inclined surface. Secured to the upper edge of the side walls 28 are four bars 46 extending transversely across the carriage 10. The bars 46 are spaced longitudinally to coincide with the spacing of the rows of openings 32 with the rear vertical sides 46:: of the bars positioned slightly forward of the centers of the openings. Formed in the bars and aligned with the longitudinal axis of each opening 32 is a notch 47. Each notch 47 opens rearwardly and is arcuately curved extending downwardly and forwardly from an intermediate point on the side 46a to the lower horizontal side of each bar 46. The notches 47 are formed with a radius of curvature slightly greater than that of pin heads.

When the top plate 39 is in a forward operative position (FIG. 4), the pins 33 will be releasably held about the reduced diameter neck portions. The bars 46 will contact the heads of the pins 33 while the converging sides 45a of the slots will contact the pins slightly above the smallest diameter of the necks. Moving the top plate 39 rearwardly against the force of the springs 43 will enlarge the openings relative to the slots 45 and the bars 46 to release the pins and permit their passage through the carriage 10.

As the pins 33 are alternately held by the socket forming channel members 35 in cooperation with their associated stop plates 34 and the slots 45 in the top plate 39 in conjunction with the bars 46, it is necessary that the movements of the respective parts be coordinated. This is conveniently accomplished by the lever assemblies 48 which interconnect the top plate 3-9 and the rods 37 as is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2. and 4. Spaced rearwardly of each bearing block 38 is an angle bracket 49 secured to the bottom plate 27 by the screws 50. One flange of the brackets 49 extends vertically and is lateral 1y displaced from the longitudinal center lines of the openings 32. A lever arm 51 is pivoted on a horizontally disposed pivot pin 52 secured to the upper end of the vertical flange of each bracket 49' for movement in a vertical plane. Each end of the lever arms 51 is provided with an elongated slot. The slots in the lower end of the levers 51 engage the rearwardly extending ends of the rods 37, which are bent at right angles for this purpose. Secured to the top plate 39' are rods 53 extending downwardly therefrom also formed with a right angle hook at the lower ends for engagement with the slots in the upper ends of the levers 51. In order to compensate for the difference in diameter of the bases and necks of the pins 33, it is necessary that the lever arms 51 be pivoted at an intermediate point to provide, approximately, a 2:1 ratio. When the length of the upper portion of the levers 51 is twice that of the lower portion, the rate of movement of the top plate 39 relative to the channel member 35 will be properly coordinated as indicated in the following illustrative operation. Assuming that the channel members 35 are in a forward position and the top plate 39 is in a rearward position (FIG. 2), the pins 33 loaded on the carriage will be supported about their bases by the channels 35 in cooperation with the stop plates 34. Subsequent movement of the channels 35 rearwardly until the openings 32 are unobstructed would permit the pins to pass through the carriage 10. Rearward movement of the channels 35, however, only occurs when the top plate 39 is moved forwardly and through the lever assemblies 48, the pins will be suspended vertically (FIG. 4) by the top plate 34 and the bars 46 before the openings 32 will be complately unobstructed by the channels 35.

' Actuation of the pin holding mechanism is accomplished by the longitudinal reciprocating movement of the top plate 39. The switching mechanism 12 is provided to automatically operate the pin holding mechanism when the carriage is moved from its upper loading position to its lower pin releasing position and returned. Interconnection of the switching mechanism 12 and the top plate 39 is accomplished through an actuating lever 54. The lever 54 consists of a flat bar pivoted in a horizontal plane intermediate its ends about a pivot pin 55 secured to the upper edge of the longitudinally extending rear portion 28a of a side wall of the carriage 10 An elongated slot '56 is formed in the end of the lever extending over the top plate 39 which is engaged by a pivot pin 57 secured to the top plate. The outer end 54a of the lever is twisted 90 to provide a vertical bar for engagement by the switch mechanism.

' The switching mechanism 12 (FIG. 6) is mounted on a vertically extending support 58 externally attached to a side rail 16. The support 58 is an elongated bar of square cross-section positioned rearwardly of a support member 11. The forwardly facing slide 59 of the support 58 is so positioned that when the end 54a of the lever 54 is in contact therewith, the top plate 39 is in its extreme forward position. The support 58 terminates slightly above the uppermost position of the actuating lever 54. An elongated block 60 of rectangular crosssection is secured to the upper end of the support 58 on the side 59. The thickness of the block 60 is determined by the movement of the lever 54 in reciprocating the top plate 39 to its extreme rearward position. More specifically, when the top plate 39 is in its forward posi* tion, the outer end 54a of the lever is in contact with side 59 of the support 58. When the top plate 39 is in its extreme rearward position, the end 54a of the lever is in contact with the forwardly facing side 61 of the block 60. A notch is formed in the lower end of the block 60 at the side adjacent the carriage 10. The vertical side 62 of the notch is disposed a distance laterally from the side of the support 58 in engagement with the side rail 16 to provide clearance for the mounting and operation of the switch mechanism 12. The horizontal end 63 of the notch is positioned a distance below the extreme upper position of the lever 54.

The switch mechanism 12 comprises a pivoted switch plate 64 and a spring65. The switch plate 64 consists of an elongated fiat bar with longitudinal tapered ends pivoted intermediate its upper and lower ends 64a and 64b on a horizontally disposed pivot 66 secured to the side 62 of the notch in the block 60. The switch plate 64 is vertically disposed and is pivoted in a vertical, longitudinal plane aligned with the notch in the block 60. To permit the pivoting movement, the pivot pin 66 is positioned forwardly from the side 59 of the support 58 to avoid the simultaneous contact of the ends 64a and 64b of the switch plate with their respective sides 61 of the block and 59 of the support. The spring is of the resilient leaf type having a general S-shape and is aligned with the switch plate 34 at the lower end thereof. The lower end of the spring 65 is secured to the support 58 and the upper end is in contacting engagement with the end 64b of the switch plate and maintains that end of the switch in contact with the support 58. The width of the spring 65 is approximately half that of the switch plate 64 and is positioned along the side of the switch plate adjacent the side 62 of the notch in the block 60 to avoid interfering with the movement of the actuating lever 54 as Will be presently described.

A pickup switch assembly is provided to maintain the upper end 64a of the switch plate in contact with the block 60 when it is desired to utilize the carriage to pick up the pins left standing on the alley surface. The pickup switch assembly comprises a switch lever 68 and release rod 69. The switch lever 68 is an elongated bar pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 70 secured to the support 58. A vertically disposed slot 71 is formed in the support 58 and opens to the side 59 thereof and also the rearwardly facing side. The slot 71 is aligned with one side of the switch plate 64 and is positioned near the end 64b. The switch lever 68 is disposed in the slot 71 for pivoting in a vertical, longitudinal plane. As illustrated in FIG. 7, both the pickup switch lever 68 and. the actuating lever 54 operate on the switch plate 64. The slot 71 and switch 68 disposed therein are therefore aligned with the portion of the switch plate 64 adjacent the side 62 of the notch and the end 54a of the actuating V lever terminates at the longitudinal centerline of the. switch plate. The forward portion of the switch lever 68 extends beyond the side 59 and terminates in an arcuately curved end. Pivotally secured to the forward end of the switch is the release rod 69 which extends upwardly along the side59 of the support 58 and terminates in a right angle hook 69a at a point normally above the end 54a of the actuating lever when it is in contact with the support 58. As the hook 69a will therefore be above the end 63 of the notch in block 60, a portion of the block adjacent the support 58 is cut out to form a slot 72 for the hook and associated portion of the rod 69. A guide pin 74 secured to the support 58 at the upper end thereof maintains the rod 69 in its vertical position. When the switch 68 is moved from its inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 9 to its operative position illustrated in FIG. 8, the arcuately curved end will contact the rearwardly facing surface of the switch plate 64 and urge the end 64b forwardly and out of contact with the support 58 and cause end 64a to contact the block 60. Maximum movement of the switch plate 64 is obtained when the switch lever 68 is normal thereto. To prevent further pivoting of the switch 68, a horizontally disposed stop pin 73 is provided which extends through the upper portion of the slot 71 and contacts the rearwardly extending portion of the switch lever.

In the normal operation of the mechanical pin setter, that is, setting ten bowling pins 33 in their proper position on the alley surface 13, the carriage 10 is initially positioned at the upper point of its vertical travel to receive the bowling pins and is then moved downwardly until the pins are released. The carriage 10 will then be returned to its initial position to complete a normal cycle of operation. During this cycle, the pick-up switch lever 68 will be in its inoperative position, as indicated in FIG. 9, permitting the switch plate 64 to function. In the initial position, the carriage 10 will be fully elevated with the end 54a of the actuating lever 54 in contact with the side 61 of the block 60 immediately above the end 64a of the switch plate. The lever 54 will therefore have fully retracted the top plate 39 of the carriage 10 against the opposing forces of the springs 43. The movable channel members 35 will be in their forward position forming pin receiving sockets in cooperation with the stop plates 34. The bowling pins 33 are then manually loaded on the carriage through the slots 45 with their bases in contact with the channel members 35 and the stop plates 34. As the carriage 10 is manually moved downward, the end 54a of the actuating lever also moves downwardly along the side 61, as indicated by the directional path A in FIG. 9, until it reaches the end 63 of the notch. As the carriage is moved further downward, the lever end 54a will leave the block 60 and will be pivoted rearwardly until it contacts the side 59 of the support 58 through the forward movement of the top plate 39 caused by the springs 43. As the top plate 39 moves forward, the channel members 35 are simultaneously moved rearwardly by the interconnecting lever assemblies 48. The pin holding mechanism reacts quickly and the interchange of the holding positions is accomplished before the pins 33 have an opportunity to drop through the carriage. Upon completion of the forward movement of the top plate 39, the pins 33 will be releasably held about their neck portions (FIG. 4) by the converging sides 45a of the slots and associated bars 46. The channel members 35 will then be in their rearward, inoperative positions allowing the bases of the pins 33 to extend downwardly through the openings 32 in the bottom plate 27.

Continuing the downward movement of the carriage 10 also moves the lever end 54a downward along the side 59 as indicated by the directional path A. As the carriage 10 approaches its lowermost position, the lever end 54a will pass between the lower end 64b of the switch plate and the support 58 causing the switch plate 64 to pivot slightly against the counteracting force of the spring 65. Further downward movement of the carriage is arrested when the notches 29a in the guide rails 29 engage the side rails 16. At this time the lever end 54a will be positioned below the switch plate 64 of which the end 6412 has been returned to its normal position in contact with the support 58 by the spring 65. The lowermost position of the carriage It is slightly below its position when the base of the pins 33 first contact the alley surface 13 to permit the pins to stand unsupported on the alley surface. The converging sides 45a of the slots and associated bars 46 will then be disengaged from the head and neck portions of the pins 33 and the pins will be correctly positioned on the alley surface.

After completing the downward movement of the carriage 10, the carriage is returned to its upper position primarily by the counterbalancing force of the springs 24 with little effort on the part of the operator. As the carriage moves upwardly, end 54a of the actuating lever is engaged by the tapered end 64b of the switch plate causing the lever 54 to pivot as the end 54a slid'es upwardly along the forwardly facing surface of the switch plate 64. This pivotal movement of the lever 54 retracts the top plate 39 thereby enlarging the size of the openings defined by the slots 45 and the bars 46 sutficiently to permit the pins to pass through the carriage 10 and remain standing on the alley surface 13. Simultaneously with retraction of the top plate 39, the channel members 35 are moved forwardly by the interconnecting lever assemblies 48. However, through proper dimensioning of the switch plate 64, actuating lever 54 and the several components of the lever assemblies 48 and the appropriate arrangement thereof, the channels 35 will be moved forward at a rate relative to the upward movement of the carriage 10 to avoid contact with the pins and obstruction to their free passage through the carriage. Further elevation of the carriage 10 brings the end 54a of the actuating lever into contact with the upper portion of the switch plate 64 causing it to pivot against the restraining force of the switch plate spring 65, as a result of the springs 43 urging the top plate 39 forwardly until the end 64a contacts the block 60. As the carriage approaches its uppermost position, the actuating lever 54 will slide ofi the tapered end 6411 of the switch plate and contact the block 60 permitting the switch plate 64 to return to its normal position. At this time, the top plate 39 will have been fully retracted and the channels 35 moved forwardly to obstruct the openings 32 and again form sockets in cooperation with the stop plates 34 for reception of the bowling pins. A normal pin setting cycle is thus completed when the carriage 10 reaches its uppermost position providing adequate clearance between the carriage and the alley surface to permit an unobstructed view of the bowling pins by the bowler and free falling action of the pins when struck by a ball.

Another important function of the pin setter is that it may also be utilized to pick up the pins that are standing on the alley surface 13. This is particularly advantageous when some of the pins remain standing after a bowler has rolled the first ball and the pins knocked down must be removed before the second ball may be rolled. If an attempt is made to remove the down pins while the other pins remain standing on the alley, the standing pins, as a consequence of their miniature size, are also likely to be knocked down or displaced necessitating their resetting. The pickup operation is readily accomplished by first moving the pickup switch lever 68 to its operative position as illustrated in FIG. 8, assuming that the carriage 10 is in its upper position with the actuating lever end 54a contacting the block 60 above the switch plate 64, and moving the carriage 10 through a pickup cycle. The switch plate 64 will then be pivoted to bring the end 64a into contact with the block 60 also. Moving the carriage downwardly will cause the lever end 54;: to slide onto the forwardly facing surface of the switch plate 64 over the tapered end 64a as indicated by the directional path B in FIG. 8. As the carriage moves downwardly, the top plate 39 will move forwardly while simultaneously retracting the movable channels 35. When the carriage has reached the position where the lever end 54a is contacting the end 641; of the switch plate, the standing pins will have reentered the carriage 10 with the heads thereof extending slightly above the top plate 39. Completing the downward movement of the carriage slides the lever end 54:: off the switch plate 64 and into contact with the support 58 through the forward movement of the top plate 39. Since the end 64b of the switch plate is not in contact with the support 58, moving the carriage upwardly will cause the lever end 54a to slide along the side 59 of the support 58. The top plate 39 is then in its extreme forward position and the pins will be engaged about the necks thereof and picked up. As the carriage returns to its upper position, the lever end 54a will enter the slot 72 and engage the hook 69a of the rod 69.. The rod 69 will thereby be pulled upwardly to automatically return the pickup switch lever 68 to its inoperative position as in FIG. 9. After removing the down pins, the pins picked up are quickly reset by completing a normal pin setting cycle from the point where the lever end 54a is in contact with the support 58.

The pin setter may also be operated to set only those pins knocked down and removed from the alley surface while the remaining pins are standing on the alley surface 13. This operation utilizes the previously described normal pin setting cycle. The down pins are loaded on the carriage 10 in their proper pin positions leaving the pin positions empty for those pins standing on the alley surface. The carriage is then moved downwardly as previously described. As the carriage 10 approaches its lowest position, the standing pins will enter the carriage through the openings 32. The heads of the standing pins will contact the contoured converging sides a of slots and the notches 47 in the bars 46 causing the top plate 39 to move slightly rearward until the pin holding mechanism also engages the previously standing pins. Upon moving the carriage 10 'upwardly to complete the pin setting cycle, all of'the pins will be left standing on the alley surface in the proper position.

It is readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of this invention that a novel mechanical pin setter particularly adaptable to miniaturized bowling alleys has been provided. The pin setter greatly facilitates the settingof the pins of the miniature size thereby improving the pleasure that may be derived from the game. It enables the pins to be accurately and quickly set. Of particular advantage is the setting of the pins on the alley surface before release of the pin holding mechanism preventing the pins from falling down during removal of the carriage The operation of the pin setter is extremely simple requiring only that the carriage be manually moved downwardly to actuate the pin holding mechanism. The counterbalancing spring suspension of the carriage materially reduces the effort required for its operation. Children may therefore readily operate the pin setter with little difliculty and accurately set the bowling pins. The ability of the carriage and its associated pin holding mechanism to pick up pins and also reset pins While some pins remain standing also greatly adds to the enjoyment of the game and the realistic effect that is produced.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles of this invention have been explained and have been illustrated and described in what is now considered to represent the best embodiment. However, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims,

the invention may be practiced otherwise than as spe .cifically illustrated and described.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed l. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, said carriage including a frame member having a bottom plate with vertically extending walls secured to the periphery thereof, said bottom plate having openings formed therein which are aligned with predetermined pin positions on said bowling alley through which said pins may pass, a pin holding mechanism supported on said carriage including a horizontally disposed top plate mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement in the upper portion of said carriage frame, said top plate provided with longitudinally extending slots aligned with the openings in said bottom plate through which said pins may pass, each of said slots including a rearwardly extending portion having converging sides terminating in an arcuately curved end section, a plurality of transversely extending cross bars horizontally disposed above said top plate and attached at the ends thereof to the upper marginal edges of said carriage frame walls, each of said bars having a horizontal side disposed adiacent the upper surface of said top plate and a rearwardly facing vertical side disposed above each opening in said bottom plate slightly forward of the centers thereof, a longitudinally reciprocal channel member associated with each opening in said bottom plate, each of the channel members having a forwardly opening, arcuately curved channel with one end disposed adjacent said bottom plate and extending upwardly and rearwardly, each of said channel members supported on an elongated rod disposed in a bearing block rearwardly of each said opening for alternating said channel member between a forward position obstructing the passage of a pin through its associated opening in said bottom plate and a position rearward of said opening, an arcuately curved, rearwardly opening stop plate disposed around a forward peripheral portion of each opening in said bottom plate, each of said stop plates secured to said bottom plate and extending a distance upwardly therefrom, means for reciprocating said channel members in cooperation with said reciprocable top plate for alternately supporting a set of said pins about their bases between said channel members and said stop plates and releasably supporting a set of said pins about their necks between the converging sides of said slots in said top plate and said cross bars, and means for automatically reciprocating said top plate during movement of said carriage whereby a set of pins supported by said carriage will be positioned on the surface of said bowling alley.

2. A pin setting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for reciprocating said channel members consists of levers pivoted intermediate their ends for rotation in a vertical, longitudinal plane associated with each of said channel members, each of said levers supported on a bracket secured to said bottom plate and having a lower end engaged by the rearwardly extending ends of said rods and an upper end engaged by a hook secured to said top plate whereby reciprocating movement of said top plate will impart an opposite reciprocating movement to said channel members.

3. A pin setting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for automatically reciprocating said top plate comprises an actuating lever pivoted intermediate its ends for movement in a horizontal plane about a pivot pin secured to one of said carriage frame walls, said lever engaged at the first end thereof by a pin secured to said top plate, at least one coil spring connected between said top plate and said carriage frame for continuously urging said top plate toward its forward position, and means engaging the second end of said actuating lever for pivoting said lever whereby said top plate will be moved rearwardly.

4. A pin setting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means for pivoting said actuating lever comprises an upwardly extendingsupporting member mounted on the side of said bowling alley, said supporting member having a vertically disposed, forwardly facing surface .having'a vertical marginal edge along which the second end of said lever will be guided during the vertical move: ment of said carriage, a switch plate for alternately engaging the second end of said actuating lever consisting of an elongated, flat bar pivoted intermediate its ends for movement in a vertical, longitudinal plane, said switch plate being disposed along said vertical marginal edge of said support member adjacent said carriage, a stop member disposed between saidsupport member and the upper end of said switch plate and secured to said support member, and a spring resiliently contacting said switch plate at the lower end thereof for continuously urging the lower end of said switch plate into contact with the forwardly facing surface of said support member and the upper end of said switch plate out of contact with said stop member whereby said actuating lever will be pivoted when the second end thereof is engaged by said switch plate during the upward vertical movement of said carriage and move said top plate rearwardly.

5. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, said carriage including a frame member having a bottom plate with vertically extending walls secured to the periphery thereof, said bottom plate having openings formed therein which are aligned with predetermined pin positions on said bowling alley through which said pins may pass, a pin holding mechanism supported on said carriage including a horizontally disposed top plate mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement in the upper portion of said carriage frame, said top plate provided with longitudinally extending slots aligned with the openings in said bottom plate through which said pins may pass, each of said slots including a rearwardly extending portion having converging sides terminating in an arcuately curved end section, a plurality of transversely extending cross bars horizontally disposed above said top plate and attached at the ends thereof to the upper marginal edges of said carriage frame walls, each of said bars having a horizontal side disposed adjacent the upper surface of said top plate and a rearwardly facing vertical side disposed above each opening in said bottom plate slightly forward of the centers thereof, a longitudinally reciprocal channel member associated with each opening in said bottom plate, each of the channel members having a forwardly opening, arcuately curved channel with one end disposed adjacent said bottom plate and extending upwardly and rearwardly, each of said channel members supported on an elongated rod disposed in a bearing block rearwardly of each said opening for alternating said channel member between a forward position obstructing the passage of a pin through its associated opening in said bottom plate and a position rearward of said opening, an arcuately curved, rcarwardly opening stop plate disposed around a forward peripheral portion of each opening in said bottom plate, each of said stop plates secured to said bottom plate and extending a distance upwardly therefrom, means for reciprocating said channel members in cooperation with said reciprocable top plate for alternately supporting a set of said pins about their bases between said channel members and said stop plates and releasably supporting a set of said pins about their necks between the converging sides of said slots in said top plate and said cross bars, and means for automatically reciprocating said top plate during movement of said carriage whereby a set of said pins or any portion of said set of pins supported by said carriage may be positioned on the surface of said bowling alley or alternately a set of said pins or any portion of said set of pins positioned on the surface of said bowling alley may be picked up by said carriage.

6. A pin setting apparatus according to claim wherein said means for automatically reciprocating said top plate comprises an actuating lever pivoted intermediate its ends for movement in a horizontal plane about a pivot pin secured to one of said carriage frame walls, said lever having an elongated slot formed a distance inwardly from the first end thereof in which is disposed a pin secured to said top plate, at least one coil spring connected between said top plate and said carriage frame for continuously urging said top plate toward its forward position, an upwardly extending supporting member mounted on the side of said bowling alley, said supporting member having a vertically disposed, forwardly facing surface along which the second end of said lever will be guided during the vertical movement of said carriage, a switch plate for alternately engaging the second end of said lever consisting of an elongated, flat bar pivoted intermediate its ends for movement in a vertical, longitudinal plane, said switch plate being disposed along the vertical marginal edge of said support member adjacent said carriage, a stop member disposed between said support member and the upper end of said switch plate and secured to said support member, a spring resiliently contacting said switch plate at the lower end thereof for continuously urging the lower end of said switch plate into contact with the forwardly facing side of said support member and the upper end of said switch plate out of contact with said stop member permitting said actuating lever to move downwardly with the second end thereof in contact with the forwardly facing side of said support member during the downward vertical movement of said carriage and to move upwardly with the second end thereof engaged by said switch plate during the upward vertical movement of said carriage pivoting said actuating lever and moving said top plate rearwardly to position a set of said pins or any portion of said pins supported by a said carriage on the surface of said bowling alley, and a switch lever consisting of an elongated, fiat bar pivoted intermediate its ends on said support member, said switch lever positioned to have one end thereof alternately engage said switch plate and maintain the upper end thereof in contact with said stop member whereby the second end of said actuating lever will be engaged by said switch plate during the downward vertical movement of said carriage and engaged by the forwardly facing surface of said support member during the upward vertical movement of said carriage to permit said top plate to move forwardly and engage a set of said pins or any portion of said set of pins causing them to be supported by said carriage.

7. A pin setting apparatus according to claim 6 having a means for automatically disengaging said switch lever from said switch plate during the upward vertical movement of said carriage to permit the lower end of said switch plate to contact the forwardly facing surface of said support member.

8. A pin setting apparatus according to claim 6 having an elongated rod pivotally connected at one end to said switch lever, said rod extending a distance upwardly from said switch lever and terminating in a hook whereby the second end of said actuating lever will engage said hook during its upward movement along the forwardly facing surface of said support member and pivot said switch lever out of engagement with said switch plate permitting the lower end of said switch plate to contact the forwardly facing surface of said support member.

9. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, said carriage including a frame member having a bottom plate with vertically extending walls secured to the periphery thereof, said bottom plate having openings formed therein which are aligned with predetermined pin positions on said bowling alley through which said pins may pass, a pin holding mechanism supported on said carriage including a horizontally disposed top plate mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement in the upper portion of said carriage frame, said top plate provided with longitudinally extending slots aligned with the openings in said bottom plate through which said pins may pass, each of said slots including a rearwardly extending portion having converging sides terminating in an arcuately curved end section, each of said converging sides tapered downwardly and outwardly in the region of their juncture with said arcuately curved end sections, a plurality of transversely extending cross bars horizontally disposed above said top plate and attached at the ends thereof to the upper marginal edges of said carriage frame walls, each of said bars having a horizontal side disposed ad-' jacent the upper surface of said top plate, a rearwardly facing vertical side positioned above each opening in said bottom plate and slightly forward of the centers thereof and an arcuately curved notch centrally aligned with each opening in said bottom plate, each of said notches opening rearwardly and inclined downwardly and forwardly from the vertical rear side to the horizontal side of said bars, a longitudinally reciprocal channel member associated with each opening in said bottom plate, each of the channel members having a forwardly opening, arcuately curved channel with one end disposed adjacent said bottom plate and extending upwardly and rearwardly, each of said channel members supported on an elongated rod disposed in a bearing block rearwardly of each said opening for alternating said channel member between a forward position obstructing the passage of a pin through its associated opening in said bottom plate and a position rearward of said opening, an arcuately curved, rearwardly opening stop plate disposed around a forward peripheral portion of each opening in said bottom plate, each of said stop plates secured to said bottom plate and extending a distance upwardly therefrom, means for reciprocating said channel members in cooperation with said reciprocable top plate for alternately supporting a set of said pins about their bases between said channel members and said stop plates and releasably supporting a set of said pins about their necks between the converging sides of said slots in said top plate, and means for automatically reciprocating said top plate during movement of said carriage whereby any portion of a set of said pins supported by said carriage will be positioned on the surface of said bowling alley on which the remainder of said set of pins has been previously positioned.

10. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, a pin holding mechanism supported on said carriage including means for receiving and supporting a plurality of bowling pins about their bases when said carriage is at an elevated position relative to the alley and means for releasably engaging the pins about their necks during movement of the carriage downwardly, and means for actuating said pin holding mechanism during downward movement of said carriage to disengage the pin base holding means from the pin and to engage the neck-engaging means therewith and to release the pins from the neck-engaging means during upward movement of the carriage in their proper position on the alley.

11. A pin setting apparatus according to claim wherein said carriage is mounted for vertical movement between opposed pairs of guides and is suspended therebetween by a resilient means for continuously urging said carriage to its uppermost elevated position.

12. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of. a bowling alley, said carriage including a plurality of socket forming first pin holding means for receiving a plurality of bowling pins and supporting said' pins about their bases and a plurality of neck-engaging second pin holding means for releasably suspending a plurality of pins from said carriage, and an actuating means connected to each of said first and second pin holding means automatically operable upon downward movement of said carriage to withdraw said first pin holding means from the pins supported thereby and cause said second pin holding means to simultaneously engage the pins and operable on subsequent upward movement of said carriage to release the pins from said second pin holding means in their proper position on the alley, said actuating means being selectively operable upon downward movement of said carriage to cause said second pin 14 holding means to engage any bowling pins positioned on the alley about their necks and suspending the pins from said carriage during movement of the carriage upwardly and to release the last named pins on the alley in their proper position during subsequent sequential movement of said carriage downwardly to a pin releasing position and upwardly to a pin loading position. 7

13. A pin setting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, said carriage having a plurality of first pin holding means operable to form pin receiving sockets when said carriage is in an elevated position relative to said alley, each of said first pin holding means including a stationary member fixed to said carriage and a slidably mounted member reciprocably movable relative thereto for engaging and supporting a bowling pin about a base portion thereof, and a plurality of second pin hold ing means operable to suspend the pins from said carriage during movement of said carriage downwardly from said elevated position to a pin setting position, each of said second pin holding means including a stationary member fixed to said carriage and a slidably mounted member reciprocably movable relative thereto having an elongated slot with tapered side portions formed therein, for engaging a pin about the neck portion thereof, each of said slots including an inclined, downwardly diverging edge portion, an actuating means connected to each of said first and second pin holding means automatically operable by downward movement of said carriage from said elevated position for disengaging said first pin holding means from the pins supported thereby and simultaneously engaging said second pin holding means therewith and operable by upward movement of said carriage from said pin setting position for releasing the pins therefrom in their proper position on the alley, said second pin holding means also being operable on downward movement of said carriage toward said pin setting position to position on the alley all of the pins supported thereby when at least one of a set of pins is properly positioned on the alley, said second pin holding means positioning on the alley the pins supported thereby when said movable slotted members and their associated stationary members engage the enlarged head portion of any pin positioned on the alley whereby said slotted members are moved relative to said stationary members to permit passage of the engaged pin heads therebetween.

14. A pin setting aparatus for a bowling alley comprising a carriage mounted for vertical movement over the pin end of a bowling alley, said carriage including a frame member having a bottom plate with vertically extending walls secured to the periphery thereof, said bo-ttom plate having openings formed therein which are aligned with predetermined pin positions on said bowling alley through which said pins may pass, a pin holding mechanism supported on said carriage including a horizontally disposed top plate mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement in the upper portion of said carriage frame, said top plate provided with longitudinally extending slots aligned with the openings in said bottom plate through which said pins may pass, each of said slots including a rearwardly extending, relatively narrow portion having opposed sides for engaging a bowling pin about the neck portion thereof, a plurality of transversely extending cross bars horizontally disposed above said top plate and attached at the ends thereof to the upper mar ginal edges of said carriage frame walls, each of said bars having a rearwardly facing vertical side disposed above each opening in said bottom plate slightly forward of the centers thereof for contacting a bowling pin at the head portion thereof, a longitudinally reciprocal channel member associated with each opening in said bottom plate, each of the channel members having a forwardly opening, arcuately curved channel with one end disposed adjacent said bottom plate and extending upwardly and rearwardly, each of said channel members supported on 15 an elongated rod disposed in a bearing block rearwardly of each said opening for alternating said channel member between a forward position obstructing the passage of a pin through its associated opening in said bottom plate and a position rearward of said opening, an arcuate- 1y curved, rearwardly opening stop plate disposed around a forward peripheral portion of each opening in said bottom plate, each of said stop plates secured to said bottom plate and extending a distance upwardly therefrom, means for reciprocating said channel members in cooperation with said reciprocable top plate for alternately supporting a set of said pins about their bases between said channel members and said stop plates and releasably supporting a set of said pins about their necks between the 15 opposed sides of the relatively narrow portions of said slots in said top plate and said cross bars, and means for automatically reciprocating said top plate during movement of said carriage whereby a set of pins supported by said carriage will be positioned on the surface of said bowling alley.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,584,030 Gray May 11, 1926 1,896,384 White et a1. Feb. 7, 1933 2,525,906 Johnson Oct. 17, 1950 2,580,853 Sherman Jan. 1, 1952 2,736,554 Fluke et al. Feb. 28, 1956 

10. A PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR A BOWLING ALLEY COMPRISING A CARRIAGE MOUNTED FOR VERTICAL MOVEMENT OVER THE PIN END OF A BOWLING ALLEY, A PIN HOLDING MECHANISM SUPPORTED ON SAID CARRIAGE INCLUDING MEANS FOR RECEIVING AND SUPPORTING A PLURALITY OF BOWLING PINS ABOUT THEIR BASES WHEN SAID CARRIAGE IS AT AN ELEVATED POSITON RELATIVE TO THE ALLEY AND MEANS FOR RELEASABLY ENGAGING THE PINS ABOUT THEIR NECKS DURING MOVEMENT OF THE CARRIAGE DOWNWARDLY, AND MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID PIN HOLDING MECH- 